Ashtanga Yoga Intensive with Ellen Johannesen - Ahimsa and Adjustments

In this workshop we will take a look at how to adjust ourselves and others. In order to do so we need to have a good understanding of the physical principles that underline the Ashtanga practice: we need to understand the function of various joints and muscles and we need to have an understanding of the mechanics of movement. We will break down the sequence into several themes like, Surya Namaskar, seated postures, balances, back bends etc. and explore some movement principles in a dynamic and creative way!

Whether we adjust ourselves or others we also need to do so with kindness, care and patience – in short, we need to actively practice the yogic attitude of Ahimsa or non-harm. We will therefore explore philosophy and meditation from the perspective of Hindu and Buddhist traditions in order to cultivate a positive and wholesome attitude of mind.

The day will start with meditation Mysore practice and pranayama. After breakfast we will have a philosophy and meditation session. In the afternoon we will be doing a longer “asana clinics” in which we study the mechanics of various asanas and how to enhance them. Participants will also get the opportunity to try out adjusting each other.

This workshop is suitable for those who have practiced for a while and have a regular Ashtanga practice (at least up to half primary). It is also suitable for those who have – but this is no prerequisite –  completed a teacher training and want to learn more about adjustment – and it will certainly be helpful for you who practice by yourself without a teacher or those who just want a deeper understanding of the practice!

Schedule

Thursday 24th January

• 15:00 – 18:00 Arrival
• 18:00 – 19:00 Introduction to adjustments, touch, and technique. What are we trying to achieve?
• 19:00 – 20:00 Dinner

Friday 25th January

• 06:30 – 07:00 Morning meditation
• 07:00 – 09:00 Ashtanga Yoga led class
• 09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
• 10:00 – 12:00 Relaxation and free time
• 12:00 – 13:00 Yoga philosophy
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
• 14:00 – 16:00 Relaxation and free time
• 16:00 – 18:30 Workshop: alignment and adjustment, basic principles: Surya Namaskar, breath and counting …
• 19:00 – 20:00 Dinner

Saturday 26th January

• 06:30 – 07:00 Morning meditation
• 07:00 – 09:00 Ashtanga Yoga – Mysore style (assisted self-practice)
• 09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
• 10:00 – 12:00 Relaxation and free time
• 12:00 – 13:00 Yoga philosophy
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
• 14:00 – 16:00 Relaxation and free time
• 16:00 – 18:30 Workshop: alignment and adjustment: “to establish grounding and buoyancy” standing postures.
• 19:00 – 20:00 Dinner

Sunday 27th January

• 06:30 – 07:00 Morning meditation
• 07:00 – 09:00 Ashtanga Yoga – Mysore style (assisted self-practice)
• 09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
• 10:00 – 12:00 Relaxation and free time
• 12:00 – 13:00 Yoga philosophy
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
• 14:00 – 16:00 Relaxation and free time
• 16:00 – 18:30 Workshop: alignment and adjustment: “core & more” sitting postures and jump back/through
• 19:00 – 20:00 Dinner

Monday 28th January

• 06:30 – 07:00 Morning meditation
• 07:00 – 09:00 Ashtanga Yoga – Mysore style (assisted self-practice)
• 09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
• 10:00 – 12:00 Relaxation and free time
• 12:00 – 13:00 Yoga philosophy
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
• 14:00 – 16:00 Relaxation and free time
• 16:00 – 18:30 Workshop: alignment and adjustment: advance asanas, beckbends and upside-down postures
• 19:00 – 20:00 Dinner

Tuesday 29th January

• 06:30 – 07:00 Morning meditation
• 07:00 – 09:00 Led class
• 09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
• 11:00 – 11:30 Check out
• 11:30 – 12:30 Conclusion/summary
• 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
• 14:00 – 16:00 Departure